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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Charley Harper Design: Needlepoint

Charley Harper is one of my favorite artists and I found some of his famous prints printed on a needlepoint canvas online. I got very excited until I saw the prices which ranged from $55 to well over $100! Yikes! These prices are just for the canvases and threads aren't even included!

Then, l I found one of the images of the canvas big enough to where I can see the details of the mesh. So, I decided to use that image to chart the image myself! Here is a cute fawn that will be transformed into a needlepoint creation!

The Fawn by Charley Harper

The process is very straight forward; I transferred the image to a small grid graph paper which I printed from online, counting each colored section. I bought an 18 count mono canvas and embroidery floss colors #780, 783, 779, 310, and white. I would say I saved at least 50 bucks by doing it this way :-).

Transferring the image of the needelpoint canvas I found online to my graph paper.

Here is my progress and I love it so far! The pattern is very simple and easy. I think this will be a great beginner's project. I really should've started off with this pattern instead of the humming bird design. What was a I thinking?

My progress.

I will be adding a background color but I'm not sure what. I'm thinking a shade of green but what do you guys think? Your advice will be greatly appreciated!

What professional work! I would have just free handed it. This is so perfect looking. The grid work alone is art! I would do a pink background, then I'd make a teal one. I'm out of control. I think any color would look sweet. You can't go wrong now. Such a precious little thing! hugsCaroline